Major League Baseball's Latest Big Move: Isaac Paredes Returns to Chicago Cubs
The Major League Baseball world was shaken recently as All-Star third baseman Isaac Paredes was once again on the move. In a significant trade agreed upon just ahead of the July 30 trade deadline, the Chicago Cubs and the Tampa Bay Rays orchestrated a deal that sees Paredes returning to his original team.
Paredes, who was originally signed by the Cubs as an amateur, has had quite a journey through the major leagues. After being traded to the Detroit Tigers and then to the Tampa Bay Rays, he finds himself back with the Cubs at age 25. This move signals a vital phase for the Cubs, who are looking to enhance their batting capacity and overall team dynamics with Paredes' inclusion.
Statistically, Paredes holds a slash line of .237/.340/.458 (126 OPS+) with 67 home runs over 354 games, positioning him as a formidable presence at the plate. His performance places him just behind the likes of Rafael Devers, José Ramírez, Austin Riley, and Manny Machado in OPS+ among regular third basemen during that span. However, his average exit velocity ranks in the 4th percentile according to Statcast's metrics, raising some concerns among analysts.
Despite this, the Cubs seem optimistic. Paredes' contract offers team control through the 2027 season, providing them ample time to harness his potential. According to Robert Orr's database, Paredes pulls a greater share of fly balls than any other player in the majors. Statcast also estimates that had Paredes played at Wrigley Field, he would have five fewer home runs this season and 12 fewer for his career—a fact that the Cubs are likely considering as they plan his integration into their lineup.
In exchange, the Cubs sent Christopher Morel, a promising 25-year-old batter with a 90th percentile exit velocity comparable to Teoscar Hernández and Joc Pederson, to the Rays. Morel is expected to be a versatile asset for the Rays, with potential placements at second base, left field, or designated hitter. An expert in the industry notes, "Morel strikes us as someone who is a decent bet to be an above-average hitter for at least the next few years."
The Cubs also included Bigge, who has made four big-league appearances this season, and Johnson, a recent pick from Ball State in last summer’s 15th round, as part of the deal. This trade is a clear indication that both teams are looking to recalibrate their rosters in significant ways.
Since the start of July, the Rays have been active traders, moving Randy Arozarena, Zach Eflin, Aaron Civale, Phil Maton, Jason Adam, and now Isaac Paredes. The Rays, who won 99 games last season, are only half a game worse in playoff positioning compared to the "White Flag Trade" executed by the 1997 Chicago White Sox.
Reflecting on the Rays' aggressive trade strategy, one observer commented, "Clearly the Powers That Be in St. Petersburg view Ron Schueler as a fearless trailblazer that never got his due." The comment suggests a sense of admiration for the bold moves taken by the Rays' management.
The Cubs' acquisition of Paredes is emblematic of their broader strategy to build a stronger and more dynamic lineup. With team control extending through 2027, Paredes provides a valuable piece around which the Cubs can build. Whether his lower exit velocity will translate into fewer home runs at Wrigley Field remains to be seen, but the Cubs’ management appears confident in his potential.
This trade marks yet another pivotal moment in Paredes' career. The young third baseman's return to the Cubs is a full-circle moment, bringing him back to the team that first recognized his talent. The hope now is that Paredes can leverage his experience and evolving skill set to make a lasting impact in Chicago as the Cubs aim to rise in the MLB standings.